Tech giants Apple and Google face increasing pressure from governments worldwide to introduce robust age verification systems aimed at restricting minors from accessing explicit content on their smartphones. A notable example comes from the U.K., where authorities are advocating for integrated algorithms in iOS and Android that detect and automatically block nudity on mobile devices.
Protecting Minors from Explicit Material: The U.K.’s Approach
The U.K. government aims to implement a comprehensive feature that would prevent children and teens from taking or sharing photos containing nudity unless their age is verified. This verification process may involve official ID checks or biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition.
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Initially, the U.K. considered mandating this system for every smartphone sold, but for now, it will rely on voluntary cooperation from manufacturers. According to the Financial Times, this plan to block nude images will be part of a broader government initiative aimed at reducing violence against women and girls.
Back in 2021, Apple revealed plans to scan iPhones for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but the initiative was eventually canceled. | Image credit: PhoneArena
Introducing a system-level nudity blocker that operates across third-party applications would be a new addition to iOS. With iOS 16.1, Apple introduced content filters targeting users between 13-17 years, which detect and block sensitive images in platforms like FaceTime, Messages, and AirDrop. However, older teens may still view such content after receiving a warning.
The Growing Legal Pressure: Apple vs. Texas Law
Apple CEO Tim Cook has expressed concerns that government-mandated age verification at the system level would compel platforms such as iOS and Android to collect sensitive personal information. Despite this, Texas is set to enforce a new law (SB2420) starting January 1st, requiring Apple accounts created in the state to confirm users are at least 18 years old.
Apple criticized the law, stating, "While we share the goal of strengthening kids’ online safety, SB2420 compromises user privacy by necessitating the collection of sensitive personally identifiable information even for basic app downloads or simple checks, such as weather updates or sports scores." Apple has joined legal challenges aiming to block this law, fearing it would impose sweeping censorship on the mobile apps ecosystem. The company's previous plan to scan devices for CSAM, announced in 2021, was ultimately abandoned amid controversy.
Meanwhile, other countries are enacting legislation to protect children, such as Australia’s ban on social media use for anyone under 16. While most platforms comply, Reddit has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the new social media age restrictions.
